Reflective Mediation Practice Group

Registration now open for Summer and Fall 2026 practice group sessions – July through December 2026

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Bring your mediation practice to the next level by participating in a reflective practice group!

Reflective practice groups are among the most effective ongoing learning experiences available to mediators. Under the guidance of an experienced mediator and facilitator, a small group of mediators meets regularly to take turns reflecting on their individual mediation cases. The group supports the mediator presenting a case to discover what mediator interventions worked best and what mediator behaviors created challenges. This collaborative exploration enhances awareness of the dynamics at play and increases the potential of learning from each mediation experience. Participants will be expected to anonymize all case identifying information so as to ensure strict confidentiality.

Beginning in January 2026, the Center for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (CNDR) at UC Law San Francisco will offer a 6-session monthly practice group led by experienced mediator and mediation trainer Howard Herman. Currently a mediator at JAMS, Howard pioneered the use of practice groups for mediators at the U.S. District Court in San Francisco where he led the court’s ADR Program for 23 years, and where many mediators participated continuously in groups he led for over 15 years. Howard also has led practice groups for mediators in India and Brazil. Howard’s fuller biography can be found at jamsadr.com/herman.

Group Structure and Approach

The group will meet in person. It will be limited to 12 participants and is open to all practicing mediators. Generally, each session will be focused on mediator presentations of cases in which they have been involved. Rather than starting with a topic, discussion flows from what actually happened and the choices the mediator made throughout the process.

Key to a successful group is the creation of a safe and confidential environment of mutual support and respect, making stable membership and small group size important. Participants commit to in-person attendance at all six two-hour sessions, and to write up and present at least one case for discussion during the six-month period.

MCLE: 12 hours general credit for the series, including 1 hour of elimination of bias credit (excludes implicit bias/bias reducing strategies), 1 hour of competence credit (excludes prevention and detection), and 1 hour of ethics credit

Cost: $595 for the full series

If you are interested in joining the group, please complete this application.

Applications will be taken on a rolling basis until the group is full.